Alton Towers is pressing ahead with plans for three firework displays despite waiting for the outcome of an ongoing noise abatement case.

The Staffordshire park has been ordered to come up with ways of reducing noise, after losing an appeal against an abatement order brought by residents.

A park spokesman said it was taking a risk but was basing its decision on earlier comments made by a judge.

An adjudication on the noise abatement order will be made on 14 October.

In an earlier ruling, the park was limited to one 30-minute display a year, but a judge has since suggested this may be too harsh.

Traditionally, the park held five events at the end of October.

This year it is planning three for 28, 29 and 30 October.

General manager Russell Barnes said: "Whilst we recognise there is a risk involved in promoting these shows before the terms of the abatement order have been confirmed, we felt it was imperative we press ahead with our plans because they are key not only to the park but to the community."